I think this is more of an evangelical thing, but do any Christians (or non Christians) think that they can tell me what this is?
2007-09-10 00:27:50 · 5 answers · asked by Zindo 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The Second Great Awakening, in the first quarter of the nineteenth century, was a special series of evangelistic meetings held outside the normal church services. Results were guaranteed through "new measures," which incorporated the altar call. Preachers had discovered that at the end of the sermon, they could ask people who desired to pray further to come forward to the "anxious seat" or "mourner’s bench" to repent of their sins. Out of this practice came the altar call. You're right its more of an evangelical thing and not in the Bible.
Altar calls are also made for many reasons besides conversion: for the baptism in the Holy Spirit, to receive tongues, for exorcism, for physical healing, to be ministered to by God while being slain in the Spirit, to heal memories, for the anointing, for salvation of loved ones, for finances, "to step into the river of God," "to come under the banner of God," and to give God an opportunity to meet any need.
While many people, including myself, have been blessed at the altar. But persuasive, even coercive techniques, psychological pressure, can cause the herd instinct to kick in. Emotions may be stirred but the spiritual results are zero if the Holy Spirit is not in charge.
2007-09-10 00:47:09 · answer #1 · answered by thundercatt9 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An altar call is when the Minister calls anyone who wants or needs ,up front to the altar to pray or receive prayer for themselves or others.For me it is more a call from God to come forward and pray and receive his blessings.
2007-09-10 08:07:54 · answer #2 · answered by Christal 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting distinction that you seem to be making there .. It's a point in a meeting where members of the audience or congregation are invited to come to the front if they choose to, whether (in an evangelical meeting) to declare their intent to join the church, or if they want to receive prayers for a special reason.
2007-09-10 07:42:54 · answer #3 · answered by Voyager 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
An altar call is an invitation to come forward in the church to accept Christ to publicly profess your belief in Jesus.
2007-09-10 07:44:46 · answer #4 · answered by Nancy B 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A Dias ! is what an altar is called .
2007-09-10 07:37:32 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋